Event Venue Spotlight – Coworth Park

Coworth Park is part of the esteemed Dorchester Collection which includes hotels in London, LA, Milan, Paris, Geneva and Rome. Coworth Park is the ultimate country retreat. We sat down with Samantha Pinder-White, Sales Manager at Coworth Park to discuss Coworth Park’s rich history, her top tips for enjoying a long weekend at the hotel and planning the perfect wedding.

Tell me about the history of Coworth Park?

Coworth Park was built in 1776 in the reign of King George III hence the architecture in the form of a beautiful Georgian Mansion.

There have been a variety of noble owners over the years; Lords Stanley, Derby, Arbuthnot, Shepheard have all taken up residence in this magnificent property and in more recent times the house was purchased by entrepreneur, Harold Bamberg, chairman of Cunard Eagle Airways who converted the house to multi-occupation use as offices. This was the period when links with polo were also forged as Bamberg was a patron of the game of polo.

Galen Weston (owner of Selfridges and Fortnum and Mason) purchased Coworth Park in the mid-80s and was responsible for building its first polo ground along with the Coworth Park Village and stables to house ponies, professional players and grooms for his Maple Leaf polo team. A further polo ground and practice field was added, and Coworth Park was set up as a luxurious residential estate with polo facilities aimed at the private and leisure international markets.

In 2008 work started on renovating the main Georgian manor house to create a luxury country house hotel and spa. Coworth Park opened as Dorchester Collection’s 8th property in September 2010.

What would you recommend for a couple coming to stay at Coworth Park for a long weekend?

Arrive early to make the most of all of our facilities: either relax over afternoon tea in the Drawing Room or take a stroll around the 240 acre picturesque estate spending time in our iconic wild flower meadow. If walking is too tiring we recommend exploring the grounds on horseback or choose from our menu of bicycles, including a beautiful tandem bicycle which is best enjoyed with a Coworth Park luxury picnic for a romantic afternoon in the grounds. Once in your room make the most of our picture perfect copper roll top baths before dressing for dinner. Dining in Restaurant Coworth Park is a must. Executive Chef Adam Smith showcases a modern presentation of classic British flavour combinations and a commitment to quality ingredients and depth of flavour. Smith’s seven course tasting menu is the most delicious way to end a romantic day together, enjoying some of chef’s iconic dishes such as the Exmoor Caviar Tart with Cornish Crab, Yuzu and Cucumber.

Day two should start with a leisurely and indulgent breakfast in your room before heading to our award-winning spa and into the double treatment room for a couple’s treatment. Make sure you leave time for a leisurely swim in the 18m swimming pool (there is even underwater music). Get ready for the Coworth Park team to buggy you across to the polo field to watch a high-goal polo match on the hotel’s polo fields. You can even have a polo masterclass with our polo manager Ebe Sievwright and the Guards Polo Academy. After the game take a short stroll up to The Barn restaurant where you can enjoy a glass of champagne to accompany a brasserie style menu or sharing platter before heading home.

Coworth Park is the ultimate wedding venue with its elegant event spaces and quintessentially English garden ideal for indoor/outdoor weddings. What can brides expect when they book Coworth Park for their wedding day?

We will take care of every aspect of the bride’s wedding so all they have to think about is enjoying their special day. From the moment they contact our events team for a show round we ensure we anticipate their every need. Our teams’ expertise will make the planning process seamless to remove any worries and pressures about the organisation of the big day. In addition, Coworth Park’s eco-luxury spa will guarantee that the bride and her entourage look radiant on their special day. Choose from the spa’s selection of manicures, pedicures and specialist beauty treatments from a range of luxurious brands such as Aromatherapy Associates and Carol Joy London.

The wild flower meadow is in bloom from mid to late July through to September and can be the most beautiful backdrop for a quintessentially British ceremony in the romance of the Berkshire countryside. The reception can then be held in one of our four elegant event spaces, including the castle-like double height Tower House overlooking the lake and polo fields or The Oval Room seating 100 and with a private outdoor patio with a staircase leading to the terraced gardens. Under the culinary guidance of award-winning executive chef Adam Smith, brides at Coworth Park can expect bespoke menus created to suit their taste buds. Smith has a commitment to quality ingredients and depth of flavour, providing wedding guests with an unforgettable dining experience.

And, Lastly what are your favourite flowers?

Blush pink Peonies are my absolute personal favourite, and I adore walking through the Rose Garden by the Mansion House!